Illinois / Winnebago County

Moving to Rockford, IL

Thinking of making a move to Rockford, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rockford, IL

Considering a move to Rockford, IL? This welcoming community of 147,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $1,020. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rockford's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rockford, IL

Rockford has a population of 147,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 55% White, 22% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
147,000
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
55.0%
Black
22.0%
Asian
3.5%
Others
19.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Rockford, IL?

The cost of living in Rockford is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 83.4. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,020. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
83.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
58.5
Utilities
97.2
Transportation
92.8
Health Care
98.5
Miscellaneous
91.0

Crime

Is Rockford, IL a safe place to live?

Rockford is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,020 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 31. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,020
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,250
Crime Index
4,270
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 98
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 31

Weather

What is the weather like in Rockford, IL year-round?

Rockford experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
15°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$63,500
Family Income
$77,500
Per Capita Income
$30,800
Income Male
$40,500
Income Female
$31,500
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
10.8%
Rent
$1,020
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.5%
Bachelors or More
19.8%

Education

How are the schools in Rockford, IL?

Rockford offers quality education options, with public schools like Rockford East High School and Guilford High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Rock Valley College and University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Rockford East High School
Street
2929 Charles St
Phone
815-966-3023
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Guilford High School
Street
5620 Spring Creek Rd
Phone
815-654-4511
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1

Private Schools

Name
Boylan Catholic High School
Street
4000 St Francis Dr
Phone
815-877-0123
Students
700
Name
Keith Country Day School
Street
1 Jacoby Pl
Phone
815-877-2113
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Rock Valley College
City
Rockford
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
7,500
Name
University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
City
Rockford
State
IL
Distance
2 miles
Students
350

Healthcare

Rockford residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 90.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital
Address
1401 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Phone
(779) 696-4400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Address
5666 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
Phone
(779) 256-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
90.1%
Health Care Index
67.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rockford, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.4%. Rockford offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,020
Owner Occupied Rate
57.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Rockford handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services, conveniently located in Springfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services
Address
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone
1-800-252-8980

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Rockford, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rockford, review the core fields on this page: population 147,000, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,020, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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